Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has categorically rejected speculation surrounding the proposed India–US trade agreement, asserting that the government will not allow any harm to Indian farmers under any circumstances.
Speaking in Jaipur, Rajasthan, Chouhan said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, farmers’ interests remain non-negotiable. “No compromise has been made on Indian farmers’ interests in any agreement,” he stated firmly.
‘Door Closed’ on Wheat, Rice, Maize and Dairy
The minister made it clear that sensitive crops such as wheat, rice and maize are fully protected from imports. “The door is firmly closed,” he said, highlighting that India is now the world’s largest rice producer, having surpassed China.
He further stressed that no imports of dairy products — including milk, ghee, curd and paneer — will be allowed into India. “At no cost will dairy imports be permitted on Indian soil,” he declared, underlining the importance of safeguarding millions of milk-producing farmers.
On soybeans and maize, Chouhan clarified that no concessions have been granted.
Apple Imports to Be Limited, With Protective Duties
Addressing concerns about apple imports, the minister explained that India’s annual demand stands at approximately 5.5 lakh metric tonnes, currently sourced partly from countries like Turkey and Iran. He stated that allowing up to 1 lakh metric tonnes from the US — subject to a protective structure including a duty component of ₹25 over the ₹80 per kg import value — would not harm domestic growers.
According to him, the move represents only a limited diversification of supply rather than an influx that could threaten apple producers in states such as Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.
Cotton Imports to Support Industry
On cotton, Chouhan noted that domestic production does not fully meet the requirements of the textile industry. Limited imports are therefore necessary to sustain industrial output, employment and exports.
India’s textile exports currently stand at around ₹4 lakh crore, with potential to expand significantly, he said, adding that industrial growth ultimately benefits farmers and the rural economy.
Boost for Indian Spices
The minister also announced that there is no scope for imports of key spice crops such as cumin, fenugreek and psyllium produced in Rajasthan. Instead, arrangements have been made to enhance exports of these spices to markets like the United States at zero duty, directly benefiting Indian farmers.
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Government Firm on ‘Farmer-First’ Approach
Chouhan reiterated that Prime Minister Modi had made two commitments — that India will never bow down and that farmers’ interests will remain paramount. Drawing parallels with national security operations such as surgical strikes, he said the same resolve applies to trade negotiations.
“All global agreements will be viewed through a farmer-first approach,” he said.
The minister’s clarification comes amid heightened debate over the potential agricultural impact of the India–US trade talks. By outlining quotas, duties and outright prohibitions on sensitive commodities, the government aims to reassure stakeholders that India’s food security and rural livelihoods will remain protected.
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